New Honda Grazia 125: 5 things to know

Honda’s second 125cc scooter, the Grazia, is a refreshing, feature-heavy scooter with contemporary styling. It’s the eighth model in Honda’s versatile scooter line-up and is the second 125, the other being the Activa 125. This scooter sports plastic bodywork, an LED headlight and a host of exciting features that make it attractive and a good value-for-money option as well.

Here’s what you need to know about it.

1. Isn't it the same as the Activa 125?
The Activa 125 is more commuter-centric while the Grazia nurtures sporty aspirations. Though both are powered by the same 124.9cc motor that produces 8.5hp at 6,500rpm and 10.54Nm of torque at 5,000rpm, the Grazia is 1kg lighter – not that you’re going to feel the difference. This engine makes 0.2hp less and 0.34Nm more torque than the Access 125, its primary competitor. Overall, this engine is quick and refined, and offers a good mix for those seeking a practical, yet reasonably involving riding experience, all with decent fuel efficiency.

2. What makes it so 'Grazia'?
The Grazia is big on features and an all-LED headlight (a segment first) is the highlight of the package. In addition to this, the Grazia features a 190mm disc brake (only on the top Deluxe variant) and a completely digital instrument cluster, which includes a tachometer as well, apart from the expected read-outs for speed, mileage, trip log and fuel. The Grazia also features a small ‘glovebox’ in the apron that is large enough to accommodate a mobile phone and also has a slot for a 12V charging socket (available as an accessory, at Rs 500 extra). Apart from this, the Grazia is equipped with a telescopic fork, CBS (Combi Brake System) and tubeless tyres as standard fitment. Only the base variant (Standard) gets pressed-steel wheels, but even this gets tubeless tyres. The Grazia is available in three variants – Standard, Standard Alloy and Deluxe.

3. How comfortable is it?
While the Grazia is generously sized, its seat is a direct lift-off from the Dio. The seat is wide and accommodating, although taller riders tend to get seated on the edge of the mild hump that demarcates the rider’s space from the pillion’s, which can get uncomfortable. However, the ergonomics are spot-on, and this is complemented by the suspension. The telescopic fork contributes immensely to the ride and handling and is a pleasant departure from the crashy mannerisms of a trailing-arm front suspension. Dive isn’t pronounced, thankfully, and this too adds to the braking confidence. A mention has to be made of how comfortable and unstressed the engine is as well, particularly under 60kph. It accelerates healthily to roughly 75kph and goes on to indicate a top speed of 88kph on its digital speedo.

4. Can it corner like a motorcycle?
A telescopic fork and a 12-/10-inch (front /rear) wheel combination are standard on the Grazia. This dynamic configuration suits scooters quite well and the Grazia, thanks to its MRF Zapper tubeless tyres, is confidence-inspiring when it comes to aggressive cornering. There is a lot of grip and stability on offer, and even under hard cornering and braking the 107kg Grazia does nothing unnerving.

5. Who is it up against?
The new Honda Grazia is priced at Rs 59,516 (Standard) and Rs 63,888 (Deluxe), and will primarily compete with the Suzuki Access 125 and also the Activa 125. The Suzuki Access 125 is priced between Rs 55,842 and Rs 60,742, while the Activa 125 is priced between Rs 61,046 and Rs 63,488 (all prices, ex-showroom, Mumbai).